IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 16/05

IMCA LAUNCHES NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AID

IMCA - the International Marine Contractors Association - has produced a new video demonstrating the neurological assessment of a diver. Available as a DVD/CD set, with accompanying notes, the intention is not to set out detailed instructions, but rather to aid formal training on the subject.

The video (available in both PAL and NTSC formats) is intended as an introduction to the start of structured training on such assessments. It can also be used in refresher training.

"The neurological state of a diver is important for medical personnel in determining the diagnosis of an injured diver and as a guide for treatment," explains IMCA's Technical Director, Jane Bugler. "Life support personnel and diving supervisory staff will also benefit from the results of a neurological assessment in determining treatment protocols should medical advice be unavailable.

"The video shows some basic tests that every diver should be confident in being able to perform competently when needed. The accompanying notes, and commentary on the DVD are ideal training aids. In the interests of being able to use and interpret standardised procedures world-wide, this guidance is based on the examination detailed in the US Navy Diving Manual and, under the direction of our Diving Division Management Committee, we have worked closely with Bob Gardiner of Buckingham Human Factors."

The video set is available priced at £10 for members and £50 for non-members and is available from IMCA.

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.